Shar-Poo (Shar-Pei & Poodle Mix): Pictures, Guide, Info, Care & More!

The Shar-Poo: A Comprehensive Guide to the Shar-Pei Poodle Mix

Are you looking for a unique, low-shedding companion dog with a look all their own? The Shar-Poo, a designer cross between a Chinese Shar-Pei and a Poodle, may be just the breed you‘re seeking. With their endearingly wrinkled faces, hypoallergenic coats, and loyal personalities, Shar-Poos have won many hearts since they first emerged on the scene.

This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Shar-Poo dog breed, including their history, characteristics, temperament, grooming and exercise needs, and health issues. By the end, you‘ll have a good sense of whether this special mixed breed would be a good fit for your lifestyle and family.

Breed History and Origin

The Shar-Poo is still a very new designer dog breed, having only been purposefully bred within the last couple decades. As a mix between a purebred Chinese Shar-Pei and Poodle (usually a Standard Poodle due to the Shar-Pei‘s medium size), they inherit traits from both parent breeds.

Poodles have long been popular for their smarts and low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. Many Poodle mixes have been developed to create more easily trainable, allergy-friendly variations of different purebreds. Crossing Poodles with the Chinese Shar-Pei was likely done to minimize shedding while retaining the Shar-Pei‘s distinctive wrinkled appearance and alert, devoted nature.

Since the Shar-Poo is such a new mixed breed, there isn‘t a long documented history or breed standard. A lot of variety still exists in the breed, with some Shar-Poos strongly favoring their Shar-Pei lineage and others leaning more Poodle. Characteristics and temperaments can differ a lot between individuals. Over time, multigenerational breeding may lead to a more consistent, predictable Shar-Poo, but for now, expect these dogs to be truly one-of-a-kind.

Physical Characteristics

First, let‘s take a look at the Shar-Poo‘s physical characteristics and appearance. Most are instantly recognizable by their wrinkled faces and curly or wavy medium-length coats. They usually have a square, compact build a bit like a Shar-Pei but leaner and longer-legged like a Poodle.

Size, Height, and Weight

The Shar-Poo is typically a medium-sized dog, with a height ranging from 14-18 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 35-70 pounds. Males tend to be on the larger end of this scale. However, size can vary a fair bit, especially in first generation Shar-Pei/Poodle mixes. Some may be smaller, in the 20-30 pound range.

Coat

One of the main draws of the Shar-Poo is their low-shedding coat, which makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers. They usually have medium-length, wavy or curly hair, but it can range from the Poodle‘s dense, tightly-curled coat to a longer, looser version of the Shar-Pei‘s straight coat.

Common coat colors include solid brown, black, cream and apricot. Parti-colors and abstract markings are also possible. Their skin is usually black or bluish-black. Shar-Poos don‘t tend to have as many wrinkles as a purebred Shar-Pei, but most still have endearingly wrinkled, squishy faces and necks.

Grooming

Though they are considered a hypoallergenic breed, Shar-Poos do require regular grooming to keep their coats looking neat and prevent mats or tangles. Plan to brush them thoroughly at least 2-3 times per week. Many owners prefer to keep the coat trimmed short in a typical Poodle cut, which can simplify grooming.

Those signature wrinkles need special attention too, especially in Shar-Poos that have deep skin folds. Bacteria can easily get trapped and multiply in skin crevices, so wrinkles should be kept clean and dry. Use a damp cloth to wipe out the folds a few times per week.

Temperament and Personality

So what‘s the Shar-Poo like as a companion? These dogs tend to be very devoted and affectionate with their families. They usually bond intensely with one or two special people. Some Shar-Poos can be clingy and may follow you around like furry little shadows. But they aren‘t considered a yappy, neurotic breed.

Because of their Shar-Pei ancestry, Shar-Poos tend to have an aloof, reserved nature around strangers. Early and frequent socialization is a must to prevent aloofness from turning into fearfulness. They may never be social butterflies, but with proper socialization most learn to accept new people calmly. Some make keen watchdogs, ready to alert you to anything unusual.

Shar-Poos usually do well with gentle, respectful children and may enjoy romping around the yard with kids. They can get nippy if handled roughly though, so always supervise playtime. Other dogs may be hit or miss – some love having canine playmates while others prefer to be the solo pet. Shar-Poos have a fairly strong prey drive, so they may not do well with small pets like cats.

The Poodle influence gives many Shar-Poos a playful, goofy side that comes out with their people. These are intelligent, often sensitive dogs who can be quite the characters once they feel comfortable. Most have moderate energy levels, but they do have an active side. Daily walks plus some yard play or family time is ideal to keep them happy and calm.

Training and Exercise Needs

Shar-Poos are typically smart, capable dogs who are very responsive to positive reinforcement training. The catch is that they also have an independent streak which can turn into stubbornness if they get bored or feel pushed around. Poodle smarts plus Shar-Pei perseverance means you need to keep training sessions upbeat and rewarding.

As a sensitive breed, Shar-Poos don‘t respond well to harsh corrections or a heavy-handed approach. Building a cooperative relationship through patience, consistency, and rewards for good behavior works best. Start training early, focusing on socialization and basic obedience. Many Shar-Poos do well with advanced training and canine sports too.

When it comes to exercise, Shar-Poos are usually up for anything from a leisurely walk to a vigorous play session. At a minimum, plan to provide 30-60 minutes of dedicated exercise per day. This can come in the form of brisk walks, backyard games, swimming, or trips to the dog park. Puzzle toys and interactive play also help keep these intelligent dogs mentally stimulated.

Without enough exercise and attention, Shar-Poos may come up with their own entertainment, often in the form of destructive chewing or excessive barking. A tired Shar-Poo is a well-behaved Shar-Poo! Fortunately, most are very people-oriented and just want to be involved in family activities.

Health and Lifespan

The Shar-Poo is overall a healthy, hardy breed with a lifespan of 10-15 years. Of course, they can be prone to some of the same health issues as their parent breeds, especially as they age. Here are some potential health concerns to be aware of:

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Eye problems like cherry eye, glaucoma, and entropion
Skin fold infections
Allergies and skin conditions
Bloat
Hypothyroidism
Autoimmune disorders

Not every Shar-Poo will get any or all of these diseases, but it‘s important to be aware of the possibilities. Choosing a puppy from health-screened parents can help minimize risks. Keeping your Shar-Poo at a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and staying up-to-date on preventive care also goes a long way towards lifelong health.

Is a Shar-Poo right for you?

Now that you know more about the Shar-Poo‘s traits, you may be wondering if this is the right breed for your household. These dogs can adapt to many different homes, but here are some signs a Shar-Poo may be a good fit:

You‘re looking for a medium-sized, low-shedding companion
You‘re able to provide plenty of love, attention and exercise
You appreciate an independent but devoted canine personality
You have a relaxed household without too much coming and going
You‘re willing to be patient with socialization and training

On the other hand, the Shar-Poo may not be an ideal choice if:

You have a very busy, active social life with frequent visitors
You need a totally laid-back, go-with-the-flow kind of dog
You want a dog that‘s always eager to make new friends
You can‘t commit to moderate grooming and daily exercise
You have small pets like cats that a Shar-Poo may chase

Of course, every dog is an individual, even within a breed. Meeting adult Shar-Poos in person and talking to other owners is a great way to get a feel for whether this breed‘s temperament and needs will fit your lifestyle. Many owners treasure the Shar-Poo‘s unique look and large, loving personality in a medium-sized package.

One thing is for sure – if you do welcome a Shar-Poo into your life, you‘re guaranteed to have a loyal, one-of-a-kind companion who‘s always ready to snuggle up or set off on a new adventure by your side. With the right care and training, these special dogs have the potential to be wonderful, long-term family members.